Songs echoed across Enkereri Primary School on 12th June 2026 as Eco-club members welcomed a group composed of international journalists, the Pangolin Project, Wilderness Kenya’s CEO, Hein Prinsloo, and Impact Manager, Alisa Karstad. The visit highlighted the Children in the Wilderness program while allowing learners to deepen their understanding of Giant Ground Pangolins (a very rare and unique species found in the surrounding area), and the importance of protecting them.
The Eco-club performed a poem they had written using fascinating facts about pangolins. They shared that pangolins curl into a ball when frightened, that their scales are made of keratin, the same material found in human fingernails, and that they play an important role in nature by feeding on ants and termites, helping to keep their populations in balance.
Their performance was followed by a second moving poem about the environment, reminding everyone of our shared responsibility to care for nature.
Later, the visitors and students planted 15 indigenous trees together on the school grounds.
Working together, they planted a variety of species, including Sticky Hop Bush, White Thorn, Poison Arrow Tree, Paperbark Thorn, Quinine Tree, African Wild Olive, East African Greenheart, Loeseneriella Climber, Conkerberry, and Gum Arabic.
These indigenous trees will help restore biodiversity within the school grounds while creating a healthier environment for both people and wildlife.
Following the tree planting, the Pangolin Project team introduced learners to the fascinating world of Giant Ground Pangolins. It is estimated that fewer than 20 Giant pangolins remain in the surrounding Nyekweri forest, making the survival of each one of critical importance to the conservation of the population. Through an interactive presentation, they explained pangolins’ characteristics and the severe threats they face from habitat loss and electrocution (on landowners’ fences). They also discussed the important actions the students and their families can take to help protect one of the world’s most trafficked mammals.
One question from a learner stood out during the discussion:
“What should we do if we see a pangolin? Should we pick it up?”
The Pangolin Project team explained that pangolins are wild animals and should not be handled. Instead, any sighting should be reported immediately to the Pangolin Project so that trained conservationists can swiftly respond to ensure the animal’s safety.
The Eco-club students were also introduced to the local name for pangolins, which is Entaboi in Maa. Wilderness CEO Hein Prinsloo shared that the Kiswahili name for a pangolin is Kakakuona, helping learners connect conservation with their own languages and cultures.
Conservation begins with understanding. By allowing Eco-club members to learn directly from conservation professionals, ask questions, and take part in practical activities such as tree planting, they begin to understand why species like the Giant Ground Pangolin are worth protecting. These experiences help nurture a generation that will value wildlife, protect natural habitats, and continue the important work of conservation in the years to come.
We remain committed to making a positive impact on communities, educating future generations, and conserving Kenya’s diverse wildlife. Your stay with us directly contributes to these efforts.
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Words by Sharon Muthoni, CITW Community Coordinator. Photos by Alisa Karstad, Kenya Impact Manager.
